A working meeting was held at the academic rectorate of La Réunion between Mr. Philippe Baptiste, Minister in charge of Higher Education and Space, and the President of the University of La Réunion, Mr. Jean-François Hoarau, surrounded by his team, in the presence of the rector, the prefect and their collaborators.

This demanding, direct, and constructive exchange allowed for a clear reaffirmation of the strategic role of the University of Reunion Island within its regional environment. Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, the institution is a vital driver of education, research, and influence for France and Europe.

On this occasion, the university president presented a clear-sighted diagnosis of current issues and challenges to be met: consolidation of the training offer, development of research, strengthening of management, implementation of a progressive plan to catch up on the public service charge subsidy per student, adaptation of infrastructure to tropical constraints, integrating the consideration of the geographical coefficient for the rehabilitation of heritage, as well as a sustainable improvement in student success.

In this context, he presented a structured recovery and transformation project, based on a long-term ambition, while calling for strengthened and close support from the State to support this dynamic.

To support this trajectory, the president requested the mobilization of a general inspection mission intended to establish an in-depth diagnosis, particularly on the aspects of human resources and financial balances, and to support the implementation of the transformation program led by the governance, in the service of academic excellence.

The president also repeatedly praised the constant commitment of the rector and his teams, highlighting the quality of the work carried out in close coordination with the university, in a spirit of shared responsibility in service to the territory.

The minister, for his part, commended the courage, sense of responsibility, and professionalism of the president and his team. He reaffirmed the State's full and unwavering support for the University of Reunion Island, commensurate with the challenges facing the institution. He responded favorably to the request for an inspection mission and confirmed the implementation of close, sustained, and structured support from the Ministry.

The minister also emphasized the importance of preparing the performance contract (COMP), which must fully reflect the institution's strategic vision, be rooted in its local area, and demonstrate strong regional ambition. In this regard, he assured that the ministry and the regional education authority would be fully committed to supporting the university's priorities.

Finally, the Minister reiterated that the University of Reunion Island plays a vital role in the national strategy, both for youth education and for scientific development and French influence in the Indo-Pacific. He reaffirmed the State's commitment to making this institution a university of excellence, fully recognized, rooted in its local community, open to its environment, and resolutely focused on the future.